Celtic FC boss and high profile supporters sent nail bombs in the post

Manager of Scottish soccer club Celtic FC, Neil Lennon, his lawyer Paul McBride and lawmaker, member of Scottish parliament and high-profile supporter or the club, Trish Godman were sent bombs, made of liquid explosives and nails, in the post.

On Wednesday the Scottish police said this was the latest in a series of attacks on Celtic FC, its players and supporters. Police believe the attacks are linked to the history of sectarianism associated with Celtic, a Roman Catholic soccer club and its rivals Rangers, which is Protestant.

Police investigating the attacks believe they are linked to the long and troubled history of sectarianism associated with Celtic, a staunchly Roman Catholic club, and its old rival Rangers, which is equally staunchly Protestant.

Lennon's parcel was intercepted at his offices before he opened the potentially fatal bomb. Initially the security teams thought the bombs were hoaxes but on further investigation found them to be viable explosive devices.

Sky News has reported that police are investigating a package sent to former senior lawmaker and Celtic director Brian Wilson.

John Mitchell, Strathclyde Police detective superintendent, said sending the parcels was a "despicable and cowardly act."

He said "They were definitely capable of causing significant harm and injury to individuals if they had opened them."

Sky News reports that the bombs were designed to ignite if they came into contact with oxygen or sunlight. Although Mitchell refused to confirm any details about the parcels he confirmed that they could have caused serious harm.

Police are now warning high profile Celtic FC fans to take extra precautions and to call the emergency services if they receive an unsolicited piece of mail.

First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond said, "We will not tolerate this sort of criminality in Scotland. These disgraceful events should remind all of us who love the game of football of what unites us as a community."

On March 4 the first bomb was discovered. This was the day after a Celtic and Rangers match ended in violence, both on and off the field. Three players were sent off and 34 people arrested.

Mail staff in a sorting office intercepted the second bomb on March 26. Two days later a parcel addressed to Godman was delivered to her office. Three weeks later (April 15) a package was delivered to McBride.